You can view this week's list in two ways: holiday event guide, or holiday survival guide. Take your pick. We've got well-curated, artist-run shopping parties to help you avoid the soul-shattering mall parking lots; art shows to rejuvenate your energy supply; and even a holiday-themed haunted house to redirect your stress and heart rate. Elves with knives and apocalypse quilts? It must be Christmas!

Gift exchange this list through your friend circle, and click on the event titles for more information. I'll see you out there. (I'll be the one putting Chain-saw Santa in time-out.)

Thursday, 12/6 WIGWAM -- This hip little pop-up gift shop (emerging next door to Oil and Cotton) isn't your parents' gift market. These artists create lovely goods like meticulously tinkered bicycle bells, hand-stamped stationery, luxurious leather handbags and bewitching jewelry. PLUS YOU CAN SHOP WHILE DRINKING COCKTAILS AND EATING TAMALES. Sorry to yell, I just get so excited. Holiday Presence at Kettle -- They've turned the heat up at Kettle, bubbling over with cheer in anticipation of Holiday Presence. The gift show/sale gives us the best and craftiest side of Kettle artists, and is another great way to support our local makers of goodies, rather than that gawdawful mall.